keypunch

[kee-puhnch]

noun

Also key punch. Also called card punch. a machine, operated by a keyboard, for coding information by punching holes in cards or paper tape in specified patterns.

verb (used with object)

to punch holes in (a punch card or paper tape), using a keypunch.
to insert (data) into a computer by means of a keypunch: to keypunch code numbers.

Origin of keypunch

First recorded in 1930–35; key¹ + punch¹

Related formskey·punch·er, noun

1933, from key (n.1) + punch (v.).